There's still time for the Braves to re-sign shortstop Rafael Furcal, which manager Bobby Cox says they are trying hard to do. But with Furcal and general manager John Schuerholz out of town, the sides aren't expected to resume contract negotiations until next week, about one week before the free-agent filing period begins. Furcal, who batted .284 with 11 triples, 12 home runs and a career-high 46 stolen bases, is eligible for free agency and would be highly sought by the Chicago Cubs and other teams if he doesn't re-sign with Atlanta. The 15-day free-agent filing period begins immediately after the World Series, and Furcal's agent said he plans to file. It's unclear if the Braves will pay the $8 million-plus annual salary that Furcal might command in a multiyear deal. The Braves missed an opportunity to sign Furcal at a more affordable rate when he was injured and struggling early in the season. He got hot in late June and batted .336 with a .404 on-base percentage in his last 84 games. "We have some time to talk before he hits free agency," said Furcal's agent, Paul Kinzer. "At this point, even if he decides to stay [with the Braves], he needs to see what's out there."